Mutya front-runners worth watching for

FROM Left: Mutya ng Hannah’s Beach Resort, Rianne Charlotte Kalaw (Batangas); Best in Evening Gown, Justin Mae San Jose (Calabarzon), Hannah’s Best in Swimsuit, Ganiel Akrisha Krishnan (Manila)

Several front-runners for the 2016 Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant emerged based on the results of the preliminary competitions held in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, and in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, last week.

Calabarzon’s Justin Mae San Jose is poised for a back-to-back victory for the province of Laguna, and will inherit the crown from outgoing queen Leren Mae Bautista, who was also her predecessor in the Binibining Laguna pageant last year.

Like Leren, who bagged both the best in swimsuit and best in evening gown awards last year, Justin took home both awards.

Justin also received the Mutya ng Skyjet Airlines title and placed second in the talent competition with an emotionally charged contemporary dance routine.

“I feel really overwhelmed. [These special awards] boosted my confidence,” said Justin, a Communication Arts student from Laguna.

But right on her heels is Mutya ng Manila Ganiel Akrisha Krishnan, who is out to regain the capital’s lost glory in the national competition.

Ganiel has been touted as the National Capital Region’s best bet for redemption, especially after her proclamation as best in talent, Mutya ng Sheridan Beach Resort, Mutya ng Rain or Shine, Hannah’s best in swimsuit, and was earlier voted by mediamen as “Darling of the Press” during the press presentation at Hotel 101 in Pasay City.

At the Designers’ Competition held at Robinson’s Place Las Piñas, she received the Mutya ng Hotel 101, Mutya ng Inglot and Mutya ng Camera Club of the Philippines titles.

“I will use this to gain more confidence for the prejudging session and the coronation night,” said Ganiel, a sportscaster for ABS-CBN Sports and Action channel.

Another strong bet from NCR is Miss Photogenic Jannie Loudette Alipo-on from Navotas, who placed third in the swimsuit contest.

“It means everything to me. This is the first time that I won Miss Photogenic after joining pageants for the past three years. And with this, I have to work even harder,” shared Jannie, an entertainment reporter for TV5.

But an underdog may steal the show from these front-runners at the homestretch.

Rianne Charlotte Kalaw from Batangas surprised many with her come-from-behind victory as Mutya ng Hannah’s Beach Resort.

She wowed the judges with her impressive presentation and communication skills.

“This crown and sash mean that I have to do better to prove that I can be the next Mutya ng Pilipinas,” she said.

Thirty contenders from around the country and overseas Filipino communities will vie for the Mutya ng Pilipinas titles.

The coronation night will be staged at Resort World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City on July 30, 7 p.m., with a delayed telecast on ABS-CBN on July 31 at 10 a.m.

The Inquirer is a media partner of the 2016 Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant.